Comparing the navigation functions of Yahoo and Google Advantages and disadvantages, Google is not enough Yahoo! Car Navi vs Google Maps Which navigation app can you really use? [End of 2019]

● Comparative verification 1-Destination search

Recently, the car navigation application has become more and more accurate and the number of users is increasing. There are many things that can be used for free, but many people are wondering which app to use. So, this time, I compared and verified the functions of "Yahoo! Car Navi" and "Google Maps", which are especially popular among the apps that can be used for free.

○ [Basic information on car navigation apps]

Before comparing the two apps, I will introduce the differences from the in-vehicle type car navigation system and the advantages of using the app type.

○ ◆ Differences between car navigation apps and in-vehicle car navigation

Compared to the in-vehicle type car navigation system, the application type has a smaller screen, so it may be difficult for some people to see the display. However, from December 1, 2019, the penalties for "distracted driving" have been strengthened, and even in the case of the in-vehicle type, gaze for 2 seconds or more is subject to punishment. In other words, basically, you can no longer rely on car navigation systems for driving. In that respect, the app type that can be used anywhere, such as at home or at work, is convenient. If you decide the route to the destination in advance and prepare the directions etc., you can drive according to the voice guide on the day, so it can be said that it is a strong ally of the driver. Recently, a type that allows you to see the screen of the app with an in-vehicle camera has also appeared. Besides, in the case of an app, the initial cost is basically zero, so there is no reason not to use it.

○ ◆ Basically, the application type is a cloud type that does not overwhelm the data capacity.

The mainstream of recent car navigation applications is the "cloud type" that downloads and uses map data each time. Since it refers to the latest map data on the server, there is no mistake such as the convenience store with the mark on the map being closed and failing to turn. Also, since you don't have to keep a huge amount of map data, you don't have to worry about squeezing the capacity of your smartphone.

○ [Comparison verification 1-Destination search]

Now, let's compare "Yahoo! Car Navi" and "Google Maps", which are popular among car navigation apps. First, we will compare and verify the basics of car navigation and the function of destination search.

○ ◆ Free word search

Both apps allow free word search. For example, if you enter "library".

■ Yahoo! Car Navi

A "library" near your current location will be displayed on the map. Tap the facility you want to see on the map to display the facility name, address, and phone number.

■ Google Maps

It is the same as displaying the "library" near your current location on the map, but below that you will see a list of details such as the name of the library you searched for, the distance from your current location, your address, and business hours.

Regarding free word search, it seems that the map application "Google Maps" is easier to use.

○ ◆ Address search

■ Yahoo! Car Navi

The location of the searched address will be displayed on the map. If the location is a public facility, the facility name is also displayed.

■ Google Maps

Similarly, the location of the searched address will be displayed on the map. In addition, the nearest station, required time from your current location, business hours, etc. are displayed.

Neither app seems to have much difference or feature in this feature.

○ ◆ Phone number search

■ Yahoo! Car Navi

The search result is the same as the address search.

■ Google Maps

The search result is the same as the address search.

○ ◆ Facility name search

■ Yahoo! Car Navi

Enter a facility name to see a list of facility candidates that include that name. Tap the desired facility name to display a map of that location.

■ Google Maps

Basically, the candidate list is displayed like Yahoo! Car Navi, but the number of candidates seems to be large in Google Maps. For example, if you search for "Nippon Budokan". Only "Nippon Budokan" is displayed for "Yahoo! Car Navi". On the other hand, in the case of "Google Maps", in addition to "Nippon Budokan", related facilities such as "Nippon Budokan Training Center" and "Budokan Parking Lot" are also candidates.

○ ◆ Voice input

■ Yahoo! Car Navi

There is no particular problem with the listening function. However, if you do not say the facility name correctly, the correct candidate may not be displayed.

For example, when I searched for "Nakano Sunplaza" and said "Nakano Sunplaza", a completely different facility was displayed.

■ Google Maps

When it comes to searching, the more ambiguous the information, the more accurate Google Maps tended to be.

When I said "Nakano Sunplaza" as before, "Nakano Sunplaza" was displayed on Google Maps.

If you don't know the exact facility name, or if you want more than one candidate, such as a convenience store or family restaurant in the area, Google Maps seems to be easier to search.

● Comparison verification 2-Route selection

○ [Comparison verification 2-Route selection]

After searching for a destination, it's time to select a route. There is not always one route from your current location to your destination, such as general roads, highways, and toll roads. It would be convenient if all routes were displayed and the required time and fare were known. So, here, I tried to verify the route selection of the two apps.

○ ◆ Search results

First, if you enter a destination, both apps will search for multiple routes. For example, when I searched for "Mitsui Outlet Park Yokohama Bayside", the results were as follows.

■ Yahoo! Car Navi

The location of "Mitsui Outlet Park Yokohama Bayside" is displayed on the map. The map was correct, so tap "Go here".

Then, three types of routes, "Recommended", "High speed priority", and "General priority" are displayed. "Map", "Time required", "Departure time", "Arrival time", "Distance to destination", and "Road congestion status" are displayed respectively.

■ Google Maps

Similarly, a map will be displayed, showing the name of the facility and opening hours. When you tap the facility name, "Address", "Business Hours", "Telephone Number" and "URL" will be displayed.

When you tap "Route", "Fastest route" will be displayed in color on the map.

This time, two other routes are grayed out. Tap the route you want to see and the route will change to colored. In this case, the "fastest route" was a route that used a highway, the other was another route that used a highway, and the third was a general road priority.

You can turn on / off "Do not use highways", "Do not use toll roads", and "Do not use ferries" in "Google Maps", so you can customize the search results for each user.

○ ◆ Routes using expressways and toll roads

Both apps can search for routes using highways and toll roads, but the display items are different.

■ Yahoo! Car Navi

In addition to the map, the "time required" and "fare" for the current departure, the "distance" to the destination, and the "congestion status" of the road are displayed. In addition, details to the destination such as "road name", turning "intersection name", "highway entrance / exit name" are displayed.

■ Google Maps

Similarly, details to the destination such as "time required" when departing now, "distance" to the destination, "congestion status" of the road are displayed, but "fare" is not displayed.

In both cases, the number of routes searched is almost the same, and the displayed contents are almost the same except for "fee".

● Comparison verification 3-Route guidance

○ [Comparison verification 3-Route guidance]

Once the route is decided, I'm wondering what the important route guidance is. Let's compare the functions of screen guidance and voice guidance for each app.

○ ◆ Screen guidance

Basically, it is illegal to watch the navigation system while driving because it may lead to an accident. However, if you get lost or are uncertain about the directions you are going to for the first time, you will often have the opportunity to stop and see the route. Therefore, I compared the screen guidance of each application.

■ Yahoo! Car Navi

Road name display Although it is displayed in the route details, the road name is not displayed on the navigation screen.

The name of the intersection is displayed.

The right / left turn guide for the intersection will be displayed.

The lane guide is displayed.

The highway branch display is displayed. The design is similar to the display board on the actual highway, so it is easy to see.

Course change guidance The distance to the turnout point and the approximate time required are displayed.

■ Google Maps

Road name display The road name is displayed on both the route details and the navigation screen.

The name of the intersection is displayed.

The right / left turn guide for the intersection will be displayed.

The lane guide is displayed.

The highway branch display is displayed.

Course change guidance The distance to the turnout point, the approximate time required, the name of the intersection where the turnout is made, and the name of the road after turning are displayed.

If you are driving smoothly, both apps are fine, but if you get lost or are uncertain whether this road is really correct, you can use "Google Maps" on the road you are currently driving. The name display seems to be helpful.

○ ◆ Voice guidance

Voice guidance is an important function that guides you so that you can drive without looking at the screen. We will introduce the features of voice guidance such as guidance timing and functions for each app.

■ Yahoo! Car Navi

The voice guidance is very polite, and when branching, the voice will guide you in 4 times: 700m before the branch, 300m, a little before, just before the branch (the guidance distance may change each time). It also tells you the name of the intersection that branches off, so it's very unlikely that you'll miss a turn.

In addition, the audio guide has the following features.

Background voice guidance A function that allows you to continue voice guidance even if you start other apps on your smartphone.

Confluence caution information It will inform you in advance that the confluence point is approaching.

Speed ​​caution information It announces "Be careful about speed" at points where it is easy to speed up. According to one theory, you should be careful at a certain position of Orbis.

Listening with the in-vehicle audio system If you set Bluetooth in advance, you can listen to the guide with the in-vehicle speaker instead of the terminal.

■ Google Maps

Voice guidance is really simple. When branching, only a few hundred meters before the branch and two times immediately before the branch. There is no reading of the intersection name. Also, please note that the lane guidance, which was a screen guidance, will not be notified by voice.

In addition, the audio guide has the following features.

Music playback control Settings for activating a pre-selected media player while using the navigation system. If you do not make this setting, you will not be able to listen to music on your smartphone while using the navigation system.

Listening to voice guidance with the in-vehicle audio system If you set Bluetooth in advance, you can listen to voice guidance with the in-vehicle speaker instead of the smartphone.

Mute setting You can select any voice guidance you want as follows.Mute on: No voice Alert only On: Only information requiring attention such as traffic conditions, road construction, accidents, etc. will be notified by voice Mute off: The latest traffic information and route guidance will be notified by voice.

● Comparative verification 4-Congestion information and data communication

○ ◆ Traffic jam information

Congestion information is indispensable when traveling long distances by car. It is important to be able to obtain accurate traffic information in order to avoid troubles such as getting stuck in traffic and getting frustrated or not reaching the desired time. Let's take a look at the features of each app.

■ Yahoo! Car Navi

Yahoo! Car Navi is generated using road traffic information provided by JARTIC (Japan Road Traffic Information Center) and traffic congestion information by probe (information such as the position and vehicle speed actually traveled by the Yahoo! Car Navi user). Adopted road traffic information).

You need to log in with your Yahoo! JAPAN ID to use it, but it is attractive to get more accurate information.

■ Google Maps

Adopted Google original information. The information source is not disclosed, but according to one theory, it analyzes the location information sent from smartphone users and determines the traffic congestion situation independently. Therefore, it seems that more accurate information can be obtained in areas where many people have smartphones.

Not only traffic information to the destination but also traffic information in the surrounding area will be automatically received if you set it in advance.

In both cases, it can be said that the accuracy of traffic jam information is high. In addition, both apps can search for routes that take traffic congestion into consideration.

○ ◆ Data communication

So far, we have verified the two apps, but each has its own advantages and is at a level comparable to that of an in-vehicle car navigation system. Another thing I'm curious about is data communication, but both apps are cloud-based, where you download and use maps each time. Since necessary map data etc. are downloaded during use, it is basically assumed that you are online. Therefore, communication packet costs will be incurred. Although it depends on the usage situation, it seems that the traffic volume of "Yahoo! Car Navi", which displays a detailed map, tends to be slightly higher than that of "Google Maps", which has a simple map.

If you want to reduce communication costs or go to a place where you will be offline, you can download map data in advance for both apps. However, in that case, you will not be able to change the route on the way or get the latest traffic information. The download method in advance is as follows.

■ Yahoo! Car Navi

You can download the map cache in advance by the following method.

Tap the "three-line icon" at the top left of the screen, then tap "App settings" in the menu.

Tap "Map cache size setting".

Four options, "Do not use", "Small (100MB)", "Medium (250MB)", and "Large (500MB)" are displayed. Select the desired size and tap "OK" to complete the setting.

* If the set cache capacity limit is exceeded, the oldest data will be deleted.

■ Google Maps

You can download the map cache in advance by the following method.

Tap the "three-line icon" in the upper left, then tap "offline map" in the menu.

Tap "My map".

A map surrounded by a blue frame will be displayed, so scroll the screen so that the map of the required area is inside the blue frame. Use two fingers to zoom in and out of the map.

After specifying the area, tap "Download" at the bottom right of the screen.

* If the selection range is too wide or too narrow, you will not be able to download.

● Other functions and penalties for "distracted driving"

○ ◆ Can be used!Other features

So far, we've compared the basic features of each app, but there are many other useful features that can be reached where it's itchy. We will introduce the representative ones for each item.

"Change day / night background color" is a function that automatically switches the background color of the map to day / night mode in conjunction with sunrise and sunset times. Both apps can be turned off.

"Parking lot location information" means that you can save the location of the parking lot where you parked your car. You don't have to worry about not knowing where you parked your car when you go there for the first time.

"Parking time" is, for example, a paid parking lot that is added every 30 minutes, and there is no such thing as having to pay a fee of 1 hour and 30 minutes because you parked for 1 hour and 3 minutes. It is a function that tells you when you parked your car. It's a convenient function that you want to utilize because you don't have to pay unnecessary parking fees.

If the "ETC usage setting" is turned on for those who use ETC, the information will be reflected in the estimated fare on the route using the toll road.

If you select either "Light car" or "Ordinary car" for "Body size setting", it will be reflected in the estimated fare for the route using the toll road.

○ ◆ App gaze is subject to penalties

With the strengthening of penalties for "distracted driving" on December 1, 2019, the gaze of smartphones has also become the target. Regardless of whether you were watching games or SNS, there seems to be a voice that the car navigation application may be treated the same as an in-vehicle car navigation system. However, with this revision of the law, the gaze of in-vehicle car navigation systems is also subject to punishment. In other words, "distracted driving" is prohibited regardless of the purpose.

So what exactly does "gaze" mean? "Gaze" is not strictly defined by law, but the homepage of the Metropolitan Police Department "Let's stop! Use smartphones, mobile phones, etc. while driving" has the following description.

"According to various research reports, we agree that the driver feels dangerous if we look at it for more than 2 seconds (...). If we drive at 60 km / h, we will travel about 33.3 meters in 2 seconds. If a pedestrian crosses the road or the car in front is stopped due to traffic jams, it may cause an accident. "

Based on this information, many reports refer to "watching" as "watching for more than 2 seconds." That doesn't mean that you will be punished for less than 2 seconds. The Road Traffic Act does not define a "gaze" time, which means that depending on the situation, you may be arrested for less than 2 seconds.

The penalties for being arrested by watching your smartphone or tablet are as follows.

Imprisonment for up to 6 months or a fine of up to 100,000 yen

Furthermore, if the above violation causes a traffic danger on the road, that is, if an accident occurs, the following severe punishment will be applied.

Imprisonment for up to 1 year or a fine of up to 300,000 yen

In other words, when using the car navigation system for both in-vehicle type and smartphone apps, it is desirable to refer to the voice guide instead of the screen display. In that respect as well, the app car navigation system, which allows you to prepare in advance at home, is convenient and safe.

○ ◆ Summary

I have compared "Yahoo! Car Navi" and "Google Maps", but their functions have advantages and disadvantages. Since "Yahoo! Car Navi" is a car navigation app, it has a lot of functions to reach the driver's itchy place. On the other hand, "Google Maps" is not a car navigation system, but a map application, so there are some unsatisfactory things such as the number of voice guides before branching is small and the toll road tolls are unknown. However, it is convenient for travel because you can register as many as 10 waypoints, and you can immediately see detailed information on restaurants and accommodations in the vicinity and user reviews. Choose the app that suits your purpose.